Are container homes less expensive to build than traditional homes? They may or may not be cheaper, depending on design decisions. But container homes deliver significantly more value than a traditional “stick-built” home. That’s because the container home is more compact, so every square inch is carefully considered in the design—there is no “wasted” space. In addition, the smaller footprint is less expensive to heat, easier to maintain, and far more durable than a timber-frame house.
How much does it cost to build a container home? Building sites vary so we quote all construction costs without the price of land, the foundation, utilities, septic and well. As a rule of thumb, consider that the “all-in” cost of a project (excluding land but otherwise from foundation to move-in) would cost roughly $125k for each container: so a single-unit Escape Pod would be $125k; a Steele Cabin $250k, and Modern Homestead $375k.
What services do I need on my property to build a container home? If you are on vacant land you will need well, septic, and electrical service, as well as a foundation on which to set the Steele House. Keep in mind that depending on the location, these services may take longer than you expect due to the involvement of several public- and private-sector companies.
If I am in a rural NYS location, how much should I allow for a well, septic and electric on my site? About $30,000, not counting the foundation. But that number can vary depending on topography, labor costs, location of the power pole and many other factors.
Can I finance a Steele House? Yes, most banks recognize the benefits of a container home and offer financing, but of course the final decision is with your local lender. Steele House does not offer financing at this time.
LOCATION & TIMING
Where does Steele House build container homes? We are uniquely located to build and deliver homes in Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, and Putnam counties in New York, as well as northern New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania. Servicing areas outside this region will extend the construction and installation timeline.
Do you work or ship outside of NYS? We consider projects outside New York on a case-by-case basis. In each area the plans would need to be stamped by a local architect and/or engineer, the install would need to be supervised by Steele House, and the construction performed by local contractors.
How long does it take to build a container home? Before COVID, it took 7 to 8 months from the time it comes to our shop until the day you move in. The pandemic brought slowdowns in the supply chain and the local approval process. In addition, continued labor uncertainty has stretched that timetable even more. However, we are intensely reviewing the manufacturing process to dramatically reduce that time, and hope to get it down to 5-6 months.
STRUCTURE & DURABILITY
Are there standardized foundation requirements (thickness, size etc.) for a Steele House? We have used several designs for foundations. In Upstate NY we must have a foundation that is insulated 4 feet below the frost line, however, the type of foundation is ultimately determined by the building location and the particular home configuration. In most cases, there will be attach points allowing the installer to weld the Steele House in place.
Are the homes flood and/or hurricane rated in any state? FEMA will have their own particular requirements for certain flood plain zones, mostly having to do with how high the house is situated above the flood plain. Our homes are naturally more hurricane and tornado resistant than most small structures because of their uni-body steel construction, optional impact-resistant windows, and the fact that they are welded to the foundation.
Are there any issues regarding moisture/condensation in the walls with the closed cell insulation? We have not experienced any problems with moisture or condensation.
What are the maintenance requirements for the finished container homes? The containers are made of steel, the roofs are standing seam metal, (24-26 gauge steel) and the windows are thermo-pane and usually vinyl. So the maintenance is minimal, i.e. repainting the exterior when needed, which is typically less frequent than a home with a wood exterior.
What are the interior/exterior dimensions for each container that you use? The containers we generally use are 40’ long “high cubes” X 8 feet wide X 9.5 feet tall (with a net interior height of 8’2”). The net wall dimensions are dependent on design. These containers can hold up to 64k pounds. The interior square footage varies with the design and the type of container from 320 square feet for the Escape Pod, to 640 square feet for the Steele Cabin, to 960 square feet for the Modern Homestead. Our largest custom home is 1,424 square feet.
Are the designs and containers modifiable and/or expandable outside of the current designs? The interior finishes of our modular homes can be modified, and we enjoy building attached front decks, screened-in porches roof decks to meet our customers’ tastes. In addition we have built a variety of custom homes in the region.
How are container homes insulated? We use best-in-class closed-cell spray foam.
How are container homes heated/cooled? We use a variety of methods. A mini split unit that heats and cools, and we also use electric wall heaters that are inset into the wall, as well as wood stoves.
What about water heaters and solar panels? Of course you can install a standard water heater or an on-demand water heater. Like most roof structures, our metal roof system can accept solar panels. Your Steele House orientation would need to be considered in order to take advantage of the right exposure to the sun.
SAFETY
I heard that formaldehyde is used in the container floors and off gasses when the containers are sealed as a building structure. Is that dangerous? Container manufacturers discontinued using formaldehyde several years ago as an effort to become more environmentally friendly. They now use Radaleum FHP-60 which is basically a cockroach powder that’s impregnated into the flooring. Radaleum FHP-60 has virtually no vapor pressure, and therefore virtually no fumes. (2,000% less the usual or prior treatment). We only use containers with Radaleum in the flooring and it is written on the registration plate of each container. If a client insists, we can coat the floor with a polyurethane sealer but experienced builders typically leave the floor as is particularly since they are covered with a sub-floor and flooring material.
How do you deal with prior cargo toxic contamination on the containers (the walls and timber floors)? Typically, there is no way of knowing the life of a container prior us buying it. A few points though, we would not choose a container with a bad or toxic smell, and all of our containers are power washed thoroughly.
REGLATORY
Can a container home be used as an ADU? Yes, the Escape Pod is particularly well-suited for use as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), which is a stand-alone living space also known as a “mother-in-law apartment.” New York State made $85mm available to create ADUs, and towns like Kingston and Ithaca, NY, have updated ordinances to encourage and allow homeowners to install ADUs on their property. The Escape Pod meets all regulatory requirements in both jurisdictions: it is larger than the 300sf minimum, provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, and has permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
Do your container homes meet the building requirements or standards in any state? By design we build to an extremely high standard, however to date the only place where we have been tested is NYS, which has extremely strict building codes. Additionally, each state and city or town will have its own restrictions.
What about zoning? Though zoning is not an issue in upstate NY, it will depend on the area where you are building. The good news is that container homes are quickly becoming recognized as a legitimate way to build and more cities are relaxing regulations to allow ADUs on a homeowner’s property.
Are the plans, drawings, floor plans etc. stamped by an architect, engineer etc? A local architect and/or engineer (registered in the state of the build) must stamp the plans. We are registered to stamp plans in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
PROCESS
Does Steele House offer consulting services? Yes, on a project-by-project basis.
Can Steele House take orders for, and build multiple units? Yes
Are your floor plans and/or designs available for review? Our website features schematic floor plans.
Do we act as the contractor for the install? Depending on the location of the installation, we will either serve as the general contractor or act as a consultant to the local contractor. In all cases, we remain involved as a client representative to ensure the installation meets our customers’ expectations.
